Cast
View All
Sally Field
as Edna Spalding
Lindsay Crouse
as Margaret Lomax
John Malkovich
as Mr. Will
Danny Glover
as Moze
Ed Harris
as Wayne Lomax
Ray Baker
as Sheriff Royce Spalding
Amy Madigan
as Viola Kelsey
Terry O'Quinn
as Buddy Kelsey
Bert Remsen
as Tee Tot Hightower
Jay Patterson
as W.E. Simmons
Toni Hudson
as Ermine
De'voreaux White
as Wylie
Jerry Haynes
as Deputy Jack Driscoll
Yankton Hatten
as Frank Spalding
Gennie James
as Possum Spalding
Crew
Director
- Robert Benton
Writer
- Robert Benton
Producer
- Arlene Donovan
Reviews
Wuchak
**_Outcasts unite as a family of sorts in the Lone Star State during the Depression_**
After a tragedy, a desperate mother (Sally Field) in rural east Texas takes in a blind boarder (John Malkovich) and enlists the help of a questionable black drifter (Danny Glover) in order to make ends meet, with the possibility of a cotton crop.
"Places in the Heart" (1984) belongs to the troubled farmer dramas that flooded the market in 1984. The others include “The River,” “Country” and “The Dollmaker.” I prefer this one over “The River” (which are the only two I’ve seen). It’s based on writer/director Robert Benton’s experiences growing up in the Waxahachie area, which is 30 minutes south of Dallas. The flick works up some quality human interest and would influence the soon-to-come “Mississippi Burning.”
Being a slice-of-life picture based on someone’s experiences in real-life, I appreciated the subplot featuring Lindsay Crouse, Ed Harris and Amy Madigan, which some people complain was superfluous. There’s an effective table scene & aftermath that was done even better in the later “Little Children.”
Anyway, it comes in the tradition of great American dramas like “Of Mice and Men” and “The Great Santini.”
The movie runs 1 hour, 51 minutes, and was shot in Ellis County, which is just south of Dallas in northeast Texas. Waxahachie is the town and Five Points is where the cotton gin is located.
GRADE: B
Jun 11, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Places in the Heart examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Robert Benton brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1984, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Places in the Heart took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $9.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 111 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1280 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1984, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Places in the Heart shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Walk the Line, which focuses more on action than character development, Places in the Heart offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Hero and Léon: The Professional explore similar territory, Places in the Heart stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 11, 1984
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Budget: $9,500,000
- Revenue: $34,901,614
